SCENE SETTER (as of Sunday, Oct. 3)
* Off to its second 4-0 start in the last 40 seasons, San Diego State returns to action this week and begins its quest for a 22nd conference title with eight consecutive Mountain West games in the next eight weeks.
* San Diego State is one of 17 undefeated teams in the nation (130 total FBS teams). Of those 17 teams, only eight are from a non-Power 5 Conference and only two are from the Mountain West (also: Wyoming).
* San Diego State completed a perfect non-conference regular-season (4-0) for the second time in three seasons (also: 2019) and third time in five seasons (also: 2017 and 2019).
* The Aztecs have been dominant to date with three of their four victories coming by at least 18 points. San Diego State owns a season scoring margin of +71.
* The last time the Aztecs opened 4-0 and had a scoring margin of at least +71 was 1975 (+73).
* Excluding the fourth quarter, where San Diego State has enjoyed comfortable leads for most of the season, the Aztecs are outscoring the opposition, 137-48 (+89), including a 62-0 advantage in the third quarter.
* San Diego State made its season debut in the Associated Press Top 25 this week, coming in at No. 25. The Aztecs are in the poll for the first time since Nov. 3, 2019, and 25th week in school history. SDSU has made appearances in the AP Top 25 in four of the last six seasons (2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021) after experiencing a 341-poll drought (from Nov. 14, 1995 through Sept. 11, 2016).
* Since the start of the 2016 season, the Aztecs have appeared in the AP Top 25 on 11 occasions. That is more than some other traditional powers like Arizona State (10), Arkansas (10), Syracuse (9) and UCLA (6).
* San Diego State ranks among the top 20 teams nationally in 10 major statistical categories. Most impressive is that all three areas - offense, defense and special teams - are represented. On defense, the Aztecs are second in rush defense (46.0), fifth in tackles for loss (8.8), ninth in third down conversion percentage (27.9), 11th in sacks (3.50), 17th pass efficiency defense (109.46), 18th in total defense (289.8) and 19th in interceptions (6). On offense, the Aztecs are eighth in rushing (254.8) and 13th in time of possession (32:56). On special teams, the Aztecs are tied for first in punt return touchdowns (2) , third in net punting (45.25) and 12th in kick return average (30.67).
* Junior punter/placekicker Matt Araiza continues to lead the nation in punting with a 55.1-yard average. Araiza not only leads the nation in punt average, he is also 4.12 yards ahead of NCAA record holder Braden Mann of Texas A&M set in 2018. Araiza current advantage over the record pace is wide enough that the Aztec junior could have consecutive 0-yard punts and still own a half-yard lead on the current record holder.
* Senior left tackle Zachary Thomas ranks fourth nationally among tackles in Pro Football Focus blocking grades. In 268 snaps this
No. 25 Football Returns to Action Saturday vs. UNM
